Smart travel planning means more money to spend while on holiday. This may seem like common sense, but it’s not always easy to know how best to save when planning. To help Hong Kong travellers plan a weekend getaway this summer, the travel experts at KAYAK.com.hk have done the research for you – revealing the best days to book and the best time to travel; as well as how to save on hotels and the average prices for top destinations. With this information, Hong Kong travellers can splurge on cocktails at a breathtaking rooftop hotel bar in Bangkok, or buy knick-knacks and curios from the gorgeous boutiques around Taipei, all guilt-free.

Top 5 Most Popular Destinations from HK this summer

Destination

Hotel recommendation

Avg price for Return flights

1

Tokyo

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

HK$ 2,574

2

Taipei

Taipei Garden Hotel

HK$ 1,425

3

Seoul

Fraser Place Central Seoul

HK$ 2,248

4

Osaka

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

HK$ 2,736

5

Bangkok

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square

HK$ 1,742

Booking in advance – it works

Spontaneity is liberating, but for travellers who are pinching their pennies – or those who’d just like to save a bit of money for treats during the holiday itself – timing is key and it pays to plan ahead. KAYAK.com.hk’s data reveals that Hong Kongers, seeking the lowest airfares to most destinations around the world, should book two to two-and-a-half months in advance. However, for a long summer weekend away in Asia, Hong Kongers can book one to three months ahead for the best price for flights.

What day of the week is best to fly?

Summer can be an expensive time to fly, but choosing the right days for a long weekend can lead to significant savings. According to the data, travellers, flying from Hong Kong to the top five destinations within Asia, can save up to 17% by departing on a Friday and returning on the following Monday. With HKSAR Establishment Day falling on a Friday this year, travellers should take advantage of the long weekend and fly out on July 1st, enjoy a 4-day weekend and return on theMonday, maximising precious leave and saving money.

Sleep easy with hotel savings

If Hong Kongers are looking to stay in a hotel over a long weekend, it turns out it is more than worth it, accommodation-wise. Travellers who stay three nights pay around 9% less on average per night, than those staying only two nights during the weekend.

Debby Soo, KAYAK Vice President APAC comments, “We’re happy to be able to share these tips to help Hong Kong travellers be more savvy with travel planning, so they have more budget to enjoy their holiday. KAYAK.com.hk also has great travel tools for the planning process, like our Price Trend Forecast feature that tells you whether to buy now or wait for a better deal, and Price Alerts, which send updates on top pricing for flights and hotels that you’re interested in.”